#MadeByGoogle Event: Everything you need to know

Google’s huge event today was jammed-packed with a ton of brand-new products. But don’t worry, here’re the top 5 most important announcements.

 pixel
Google Pixel and Pixel XL

After leak after leak, Google unveiled what we were all expecting: the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. Both phones have the exact same build quality, software, and internals except for a few minor changes including screen resolution, battery capacity, and (of course) size. Here’re the specs laid out:

Google Pixel

  • SoC: Snapdragon 821
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB, 128GB
  • Display: 5-inch 1080p AMOLED
  • Camera: 12.3MP, front 8MP
  • Battery: 2770mAh with fast charging
  • Software: Android 7.1 Nougat
  • Measurements: 144.84 x 69.54 x 7.31-8.58mm, 143g

Google Pixel XL

  • SoC: Snapdragon 821
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB, 128GB
  • Display: 5.5-inch 1440p AMOLED
  • Camera: 12.3MP, front 8MP
  • Battery: 3450mAh with fast charging
  • Software: Android 7.1 Nougat
  • Measurements: 154.72 x 75.74 x 7.31-8.58mm, 168g

https://youtu.be/Rykmwn0SMWU

Both devices will include fingerprint sensors on the rear and will run Android 7.1 Nougat with a Google UI laid on top. They will feature Daydream VR support and Google’s new “Google Assistant.”

Google has also said that a huge focus on the Pixel is the camera. DXOMark scored the Pixel camera as an 89—the highest rating ever for a smartphone (yes, even higher than the newly announced iPhone 7/7 Plus). Pricing starts at $649 for the smaller 5-inch Pixel and $749 for the 5.5-inch Pixel XL. Both devices are available for preorder starting today.

daydream
Daydream View

Google unveiled its first headset for the Daydream VR platform today: the Daydream View. Phones must be “Daydream-ready” to be supported, and aptly the Pixel phones are the first. The material is made out of lightweight fabric designed to be “soft and cozy.” There is also a remote used for interaction and is conveniently stored within the headset when not in use.

https://youtu.be/rLLAA4ENIP4

Daydream naturally features all of the apps on Google Cardboard, such as Photos, Play Movies, StreetView, and YouTube, but it does a whole lot more. In the demo, Google showcased virtual reality gaming and news broadcasts as part of Daydream. Daydream View and the controller will go on sale in November for $79.

ultra
Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast got a upgrade with an “Ultra” version that supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K content. The Ultra version is “1.8x faster” than the Chromecast 2nd Gen model announced last year. It’ll also feature an Ethernet port integrated into the power adapter. It’s also a bit more on the pricey side at $69. Fortunately, if you don’t own a 4K TV, Google will still continue to sell the regular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.

wifi
Google Wifi

Just a year ago, Google announced OnHub, a smart home router. Now, Google is making routers itself under the “Made by Google” hood. The new system, named simply Google Wifi, is a multi-point network similar to Eero, letting you place modular router points throughout your house for maximum coverage. You can also actively manage your network through an app—similar to OnHub. A single router costs $129 while a three-pack costs $299. Preorders start in November and it ships in December.

home
Google Home

Google announced its smart home assistant back at I/O in May, but today Google Home finally got a price and a release date. Home will ship on November 4th and cost $129. To sum it up, it’s basically a deliberate take on Amazon’s Echo (currently $179). It uses the Google Assistant instead of Alexa and interacts great with Google products.

Source: The Verge, YouTube, Google Store, Made by Google